Prime Minister Rajapaksa first to rush to the hospital
ASHRAFF A SAMAD
COLOMBO: Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa was one of those who were present at the Talangama Hospital in Battaramulla,as soon after the sudden death of Minister and Leader of the Ceylon Workers Congress (CWC) Arumugam Thondaman,on Tuesday night.
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa said in a statement released on Wednesday morning : “ I am deeply saddened by the untimely demise of Hon Minister Arumugam Thondaman, Leader of CWC. He served his community with dedication and stood for the rights of plantation workers. My deepest condolences to his family and friends. May his soul be with God for eternity.”
Thondaman,Minister of Community Empowerment and Estate Infrastructure Development, old boy of Royal College, was the grandson of prominent trade unionist the late Saumyamoorthi Thondaman. Born on May 29, 1964, Arumugam Thondaman died just three days short of his 56th birthday after being admitted to the Talangama Hospital.
Arumugam Thondaman represented the Nuwara Eliya District in Parliament and was one of the most prominent and popular politicians from the estate areas. He represented the interests of Tamils of Indian origin and just a few hours before his death, had met the newly appointed Indian High Commissioner Gopal Bagley to discuss the Indian Housing Project in the plantation sector and the Jaffna Cultural Centre.
Over a political career spanning almost three decades, Thondaman held a number of different ministerial portfolios in different governments in addition to holding the leadership of the CWC. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa appointed him as the Minister of Community Empowerment and Estate Infrastructure Development in recognition of his contribution towards the plantation community.
He had met Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa a few hours before his death. In a tweet that followed his visit to the Talangama Hospital to condole with the late minister’s relatives, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa said: “Just a few hours ago we sat together reminiscing memories we shared. I am shocked and saddened to hear of the untimely passing of my dear friend and colleague, Arumugam Thondaman. My deepest condolences go out to his family. You will be missed dear friend.”
Former Western Province Governor and National Unity Alliance Leader, Azath Salley said : “The sudden demise of minister Arumugam Thondaman, leader of the Ceylon Workers Congress, a political party that has spearheaded the struggle for the rights of up-country Tamils, especially of Indian origin, has been shocking and deeply disturbing.
Arumugam Thondaman, who has been an inevitable force in his people’s rights struggle in the island nation, is a great friend. We are saddened to hear of the sudden demise and express our sympathies to his people and Family.”
Angajan Ramanathan : “ Deeply saddened & shocked to hear untimely death of #CWC Leader Hon. Minister ArumugamThondaman. It is an irreplaceable loss to the people of Sri Lanka, especially of the hill country. I wish to convey my heartfelt condolences to his family. #RIP
Namal Rajapaksa , former MP : “ Shocked to hear of the untimely passing of #CWC leader Hon. Arumugan Thondaman. You will be deeply missed. My deepest condolences to his nearest and dearest.”
Former Minister Mano Ganesan: “There goes a colleague party leader & a friend beyond politics died unexpectedly. In picture with Thondaman -at the Swearing-in-Ceremony of Indian prime minister Narenda Modi.”
Former MP Ali Zahir Mowlana: “ Shocked and saddened at the sudden passing of dear friend, CWC leader, Minister and veteran politician Arumugam Thondaman. My thoughts and prayers are with his family in these trying times.”
President of Sri Lanka Muslim Council, N,M.Ameen: “ His death has sent shock waves to people, the plantation sector lost one of the brilliant stalwarts of its community.”
Former minister Faiszer Mustapha :”I am deeply saddened by the news of my friend Hon. Arumugam Thondaman, MP passing. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and all who are nearest and dearest to him. As the leader of the Ceylon Workers Congress (CWC) he will be remembered for his immense contribution as representative of the people of the Nuwara Eliya District and also as an active advocate for the Indian Tamils in Sri Lanka. I am much indebted to him for the guidance he gave me on my political journey. He will be truly missed. “